U.S. patent application number 15/655199 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-08 for twist-in-place grommet assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. Invention is credited to Chad M. Clark, Ronald C. Owens, Jeremy R.D. Tuttle.
Application Number | 20180038405 15/655199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61069169 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180038405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clark; Chad M. ; et
al. |
February 8, 2018 |
TWIST-IN-PLACE GROMMET ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A connection assembly including a grommet of hollow construction
adapted to be retained within a retaining panel structure for
attachment to a substructure. The grommet includes an upper collar
and a lower collar disposed in spaced-apart relation. An axial bore
extends through the grommet. Anti-rotation elements may be disposed
between the upper and lower collars. The anti-rotation elements
lock the grommet against rotational movement following insertion
and rotation to a locking position within a complementary retaining
panel opening. The grommet may carry variations of a compression
limiter within the axial bore of the grommet and either an
elongated fastener or a fastening nut may be secured in operative
position with the grommet prior to shipment and installation.
Inventors: |
Clark; Chad M.; (Stamping
Ground, KY) ; Owens; Ronald C.; (Lawrenceburg,
KY) ; Tuttle; Jeremy R.D.; (Dearborn, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC |
Glenview |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61069169 |
Appl. No.: |
15/655199 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62369898 |
Aug 2, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 21/02 20130101;
F16B 5/0241 20130101; F16B 41/002 20130101; F16B 37/042
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16B 21/02 20060101
F16B021/02; F16B 37/04 20060101 F16B037/04; F16B 41/00 20060101
F16B041/00; F16B 5/02 20060101 F16B005/02 |
Claims
1. A connection assembly including a grommet of hollow construction
adapted to be retained within a non-circular retaining panel
opening in a retaining panel structure, the connection assembly
comprising: an elastomeric grommet of hollow construction including
an upper collar and a lower collar disposed in spaced-apart
relation with a neck extending between the upper collar and the
lower collar, wherein the lower collar is non-circular having an
effective length dimension greater than an effective width
dimension, the lower collar being configured to pass in keyed
relation through the retaining panel opening and wherein the upper
collar is configured to be blocked against entry into the retaining
panel opening, the grommet including an axial bore extending
through the grommet from an outer surface of the upper collar to an
outer surface of the lower collar through an interior of the neck,
the grommet further including at least one molded-in anti-rotation
element selected from the group consisting of resilient tabs and
ribs disposed between the upper collar and the lower collar,
wherein said at least one anti-rotation element extends radially
away from the axial bore in a direction transverse to the effective
length dimension of the lower collar, said at least one
anti-rotation element being adapted to block the grommet against
rotational movement following insertion of the lower collar and
subsequent rotation of the grommet relative to the retaining
panel.
2. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the
grommet is of unitary molded construction.
3. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the
grommet is formed from a resilient material selected from the group
consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, NBR, SBR, EPDM,
TPE, VMQ silicone and combinations thereof.
4. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper
collar is substantially round.
5. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper
collar has a shape substantially similar to the lower collar.
6. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said at
least one molded-in anti-rotation element comprises a plurality of
flexible tabs projecting radially away from the neck.
7. The connection assembly as recited in claim 6, further
comprising a plurality of molded-in depressions substantially
aligned with the plurality of flexible tabs, wherein the plurality
of molded-in depressions is adapted to receive the plurality of
flexible tabs during rotation of the grommet relative to the
substrate subsequent to insertion of the lower collar.
8. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said at
least one molded-in anti-rotation element comprises a plurality of
compressible ribs disposed across a lower surface of the upper
collar.
9. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, further
comprising an elongated bolt or stud extending through the grommet
within the axial bore.
10. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, further
comprising a rotatable flange nut retained in axially aligned
relation to the axial bore.
11. A connection assembly including a grommet of hollow
construction adapted to be retained within a non-circular retaining
panel opening in a retaining panel structure: the connection
assembly comprising: an elastomeric grommet of hollow construction
including an upper collar and a lower collar disposed in
spaced-apart relation with a neck extending between the upper
collar and the lower collar, wherein the lower collar is
non-circular having an effective length dimension greater than an
effective width dimension, the lower collar being configured to
pass in keyed relation through the retaining panel opening and
wherein the upper collar is configured to be blocked against entry
into the retaining panel opening, the grommet including an axial
bore extending through the grommet from an outer surface of the
upper collar to an outer surface of the lower collar through an
interior of the neck, the grommet further including at least one
molded-in anti-rotation element selected from the group consisting
of resilient tabs and ribs disposed between the upper collar and
the lower collar, wherein said at least one anti-rotation element
extends radially away from the axial bore in a direction transverse
to the effective length dimension of the lower collar, said at
least one anti-rotation element being adapted to block the grommet
against rotational movement following insertion of the lower collar
and subsequent rotation of the grommet relative to the retaining
panel; and a compression limiter comprising a substantially rigid
sleeve within the axial bore.
12. The connection assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the
grommet is formed from a resilient material selected from the group
consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, NBR, SBR, EPDM,
TPE, VMQ silicone and combinations thereof.
13. The connection assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein the
upper collar is substantially round.
14. The connection assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein the
upper collar has a shape substantially similar to the lower
collar.
15. The connection assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein said at
least one molded-in anti-rotation element comprises a plurality of
flexible tabs projecting radially away from the neck.
16. The connection assembly as recited in claim 15, further
comprising a plurality of molded-in depressions substantially
aligned with the plurality of flexible tabs, wherein the plurality
of molded-in depressions is adapted to receive the plurality of
flexible tabs during rotation of the grommet relative to the
substrate subsequent to insertion of the lower collar.
17. The connection assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said at
least one molded-in anti-rotation element comprises a plurality of
compressible ribs disposed across a lower surface of the upper
collar.
18. The connection assembly as recited in claim 11, further
comprising an elongated bolt or stud extending through the grommet
within the compression limiter.
19. The connection assembly as recited in claim 11, further
comprising a rotatable flange nut retained in axially aligned
relation to the axial bore.
20. A connection assembly including a grommet of hollow
construction adapted to be retained within a non-circular retaining
panel opening in a retaining panel structure: the connection
assembly comprising: an elastomeric grommet of molded, unitary
hollow construction formed from a material selected from the group
consisting of NBR, SBR, EPDM, TPE, VMQ silicone and combinations
thereof, the grommet including an upper collar and a lower collar
disposed in spaced-apart relation with a neck extending between the
upper collar and the lower collar, wherein the lower collar is
non-circular having an effective length dimension greater than an
effective width dimension, the lower collar being configured to
pass in keyed relation through the retaining panel opening and
wherein the upper collar is substantially round or of similar shape
to the lower collar and configured to be blocked against entry into
the retaining panel opening, the grommet including an axial bore
extending through the grommet from an outer surface of the upper
collar to an outer surface of the lower collar through an interior
of the neck, the grommet further including a plurality of molded-in
anti-rotation elements selected from the group consisting of
resilient tabs and ribs disposed between the upper collar and the
lower collar, wherein said plurality of molded-in anti-rotation
elements extend radially away from the axial bore in a direction
transverse to the effective length dimension of the lower collar,
said plurality of molded-in anti-rotation elements being adapted to
block the grommet against rotational movement following insertion
of the lower collar and subsequent rotation of the grommet relative
to the retaining panel; and a compression limiter comprising a
substantially rigid sleeve within the axial bore.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of, and
priority from, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/369,898
having a filing date of Aug. 2, 2016. The contents of such prior
application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety
as if fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fasteners and,
more particularly, the disclosure pertains to a grommet for a
connection assembly which is lockable within a panel or other
support structure adapted for attachment to an underlying
substructure. The grommet is installed and captured within the
support panel and provides noise and vibration isolation on both
sides of the structure.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A covering structure such as a plastic engine cover or the
like may be attached to an underlying substructure such as an
engine block by passing elongated fasteners such as connection
bolts or the like through openings in the covering structure for
engagement with the substructure. In this regard, the elongated
fasteners may extend either towards the substructure (i.e. away
from the covering structure) or towards the covering structure
(i.e. away from the substructure). It is known to use grommets of
rubber or other resilient compressible material held within the
openings of the covering structure for disposition in surrounding
relation to the connection bolts. Such grommets are intended to
prevent bolt movement and accompanying vibration noise.
[0004] As will be appreciated, in the manufacturing process, a
covering structure may be produced at a location remote from the
point of assembly to a substructure. In known prior designs, the
fasteners or fastening nuts are not captured within the covering
structure prior to being shipped. Rather, prior designs typically
require an individual user to manually attach a grommet and other
fastening components within the covering structure and to then
attach the covering structure to the engine block or other
substructure manually. During such manual assembly procedures, the
typical practice has been to use "H" shaped grommets having
relatively thin integral flanges at either end connected by a neck
with an axial bore extending the length of the grommet. Such
grommets are typically forced through a hole in the covering
structure with dimensions smaller than the integral flanges and
then a metal stamping or bushing is pushed into the axial bore. An
elongated fastening element such a threaded bolt or the like then
may project through the stamping or bushing in connecting relation
between the covering structure and the sub structure.
[0005] The prior practice using traditional "H" shaped grommets
provides excellent containment and vibration damping in many
environments of use. However, in some instances, insertion of the
traditional style grommets may be cumbersome due to the tight
tolerances involved requiring the application of substantial force.
This may be particularly problematic in the event that the covering
structure is relatively fragile, since application of improper or
excessive force may cause damage. Accordingly, an improved grommet
construction and procedure of use may represent a desirable
advancement over the known art.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives
over the prior art by providing a grommet for a connection assembly
adapted for ease of installation with low insertion forces while
maintaining desired sealing and vibration damping characteristics.
The connection assembly includes a grommet of hollow construction
including a first collar and a second collar disposed in
spaced-apart relation. An axial bore extends through the grommet.
Resilient tabs or ribs may be disposed between the first collar and
the second collar. The resilient tabs or ribs lock the grommet
against rotational movement following insertion and rotation to a
locking position within a complementary retaining panel opening.
The grommet may carry variations of a compression limiter within
the axial bore of the grommet. Either an elongated fastener or a
fastening nut may be secured in operative position with the grommet
prior to shipment and installation, thereby further reducing
complexity. A connection assembly consistent with the present
disclosure provides damping isolation on both sides of the
component being attached with noise and vibration reduction.
Moreover, the subject connection may also provide substantial cost
savings over previous attachment designs.
[0007] In accordance with one exemplary practice, the present
disclosure provides a connection assembly including a grommet of
hollow construction adapted to be retained within a non-circular
retaining panel opening in a substrate for attachment to a
substructure such as an engine block or the like. The connection
assembly may include a grommet of hollow construction including an
upper collar and a lower collar disposed in spaced-apart relation
with a reduced diameter neck extending between the upper collar and
the lower collar. The lower collar is non-circular having an
effective length dimension greater than an effective width
dimension and is configured to pass in keyed relation through a
complimentary retaining panel opening. The upper collar is
configured to be blocked against entry into the retaining panel
opening. An axial bore extends completely through the grommet from
an outer surface of the upper collar to an outer surface of the
lower collar and through an interior of the neck. The grommet may
further include at least one molded-in, anti-rotation element
selected from the group consisting of resilient tabs and ribs
disposed between the upper collar and the lower collar. The
anti-rotation elements extend radially away from the axial bore in
a direction transverse to the effective length dimension of the
lower collar and are adapted to block the grommet against
rotational movement following insertion of the lower collar and
subsequent rotation of the grommet relative to the retaining panel.
Anti-compression sleeve elements may also be disposed at the
interior of the axial bore if desired.
[0008] Other exemplary aspects and features will become apparent
upon review of the following detailed description of potentially
preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a first
exemplary embodiment of a rubber grommet consistent with the
present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary mating
hole for acceptance and retention of the grommet illustrated in
FIG. 1 within a cover structure;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating initial insertion of
an exemplary connection assembly into a cover structure consistent
with the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3A is a schematic view similar to FIG. 3 wherein the
connection assembly has been rotated relative to the cover
structure to a locked position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cut-away schematic view illustrating a
connection assembly consistent with the present disclosure
incorporating a first compression limiting stamping insert and
elongated bolt within a grommet of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cut-away schematic view illustrating a
connection assembly consistent with the present disclosure
incorporating a second compression limiting stamping insert and
elongated bolt within a grommet of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an assembled schematic view illustrating a
connection assembly consistent with FIGS. 4 and 5 with a
compression limiting stamping insert and elongated bolt within a
grommet of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cut-away schematic view illustrating a
connection assembly consistent with the present disclosure
incorporating a compression limiting stamping insert and an aligned
captured metal flange nut within a grommet of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a second
exemplary embodiment of a rubber grommet consistent with the
present disclosure incorporating raised compressible ribs; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary mating
hole for acceptance and retention of the grommet illustrated in
FIG. 8 within a cover structure.
[0019] Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited
in its application to the details of construction or the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein
of "including", "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as
well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Any dimensions
are non-limiting and are exemplary only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein to the
extent possible like reference numerals are used to designate like
elements in the various views. Referring now to the drawings, FIG.
1 illustrates a first embodiment of an exemplary molded elastomeric
grommet 10 that provides noise, vibration, and/or material
isolation on two sides of a structure 12 (FIG. 2) such as an engine
cover or the like overlying a substructure such as an engine block
or the like (not shown). The grommet 10 may be formed from any
suitable elastomeric material including natural and/or synthetic
rubbers having a degree of compressibility and resilience suitable
for sound damping. By way of example only, representative materials
of construction may include NBR, SBR, EPDM, TPE, VMQ and the like
as well as blends of two or more such materials if desired.
[0021] As illustrated, in the exemplary construction, the grommet
10 may include molded-in stops 14 in the form of compressible tabs
positioned at a reduced diameter neck 15 (FIG. 6) between an upper
collar 20 and a lower collar 22. In this regard, it is to be
understood that while various spatial and directional terms, such
as upper, lower and the like may be used to describe embodiments
within the scope of the present disclosure, such terms are merely
used with respect to the orientations of exemplary final use as
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3A. Accordingly, the orientations may be
inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion
is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical,
and the like.
[0022] As shown, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, depressions
24 in the form of molded-in cutouts may be disposed along an
interior surface of the first collar 20 facing towards the stops
14. An axial bore 25 extends through the entirety of the grommet 10
between the upper collar 20 and lower collar 22. Thus, a bolt or
other elongated fastening element can extend through the grommet 10
as illustrated in the various views.
[0023] As will be described more fully hereinafter, during initial
insertion of the grommet 10 into the structure 12, the lower collar
22 may pass through a complementary thru-hole 30 in the structure
12 thereby causing the stops 14 in the form of compressible tabs to
be pressed into corresponding depressions 24 upon encountering
resistance at the surface of the structure 12. Upon subsequent
rotation to a locking position, the stops 14 may then spring away
from the depressions 24 to the position shown in FIG. 1, thereby
blocking rotation reversal. In this regard, although the exemplary
construction is illustrated as incorporating two stops 14 in the
form of compressible tabs and two corresponding depressions 24
positioned at approximately 180 degrees from one another, it is
likewise contemplated that other orientations and numbers of stops
14 and depressions 24 may be used. It is also contemplated that
some or all of the depressions 24 may be eliminated if desired.
[0024] As shown, in the exemplary construction, the lower collar 22
which is inserted into the thru-hole 30 may have a shape having an
effective major length dimension greater than the effective width
dimension such as a rectangular or elliptical shape. By of example
only, and not limitation, as best seen in FIG. 1, the upper collar
may be substantially round and the lower collar 22 may have a
generally lobe-shaped perimeter including a pair of opposing,
substantially flat lateral sides 26 extending between a pair of
opposing curved ends 28. However, other geometries may likewise be
used if desired. It is also contemplated that the upper collar and
lower collar may have similar shapes, but of different relative
size and/or orientation to facilitate blocking withdrawal following
insertion and rotation.
[0025] As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 1-3, when the
non-circular lower collar 22 is initially inserted in keyed
relation through the complementary shaped thru-hole 30 in the
attached structure 12 (FIG. 3), vertical pressure is applied to the
grommet 10 so as to compress the stops 14 against the surface of
the attached structure 12. As pressure is applied against the stops
14, they are then pushed into the opposing depressions 24. In order
to lock the grommet 10 into place following the initial keyed
insertion of the lower collar 22 into the thru-hole 30, the grommet
10 then may be rotated approximately 1/4 turn while maintaining
downward pressure.
[0026] By way of example only, and not limitation, during relative
rotation between the grommet 10 and the structure 12, the lower
collar 22 is caused to move from the position in FIG. 3 across the
underside of the structure 12 until reaching a position as shown in
FIG. 3A wherein the lower collar 22 acts to block against vertical
withdrawal as it is no longer aligned with the thru-hole 30. In the
blocked condition (FIG. 3A), the molded-in stops 14 simultaneously
block against reverse rotation. In this regard, in the illustrated
exemplary construction, the molded-in stops 14 in the form of
compressible tabs may project outwardly at approximately 90 degrees
to the major dimension of the lower second collar 22. Thus, a 1/4
turn rotation of the grommet 10 following initial insertion will
cause the stops 14 to spring away from the compressed condition
within the depressions 24. That is, when reaching the final
position, the molded-in stops 14 become uncompressed as they are no
longer in contact with the upper surface of the structure and fall
into the thru hole 16. In this position, the stops 14 act as a
rotation locking mechanism for the grommet 10 with the structure 12
surrounding the neck 15.
[0027] In accordance with one exemplary practice, it may be
desirable for the outer diameter of the neck 15 to substantially
match the effective width dimension of the thru-hole 30 so as to
maintain a tight fit relationship in the locking position. However,
other arrangements can also be used if desired.
[0028] Significantly, the grommet's non-circular lower second
collar 22 in conjunction with compressible stops 14 which project
into a keyed thru-hole 30 in the structure 12 upon rotation to a
locking position, substantially eliminates the need to radially
compress the lower collar 22 during initial insertion. Accordingly,
any potential for damage to the structure 12 is greatly
reduced.
[0029] While FIG. 1 and related figures illustrate one exemplary
embodiment for a grommet consistent with the present disclosure, it
is also contemplated that any number of other embodiments
incorporating molded-in stops may be used if desired. By way of
example only, and not limitation, FIG. 8 illustrates a grommet 110
incorporating molded-in compressible stops 114 in the form of
compressible raised ribs across the surface of an upper collar 120.
In the illustrated exemplary construction, the stops 114 are
disposed adjacent a neck portion between the upper collar 120 and a
lower collar 122. As shown, the molded-in stops 114 are arranged at
about 90 degrees transverse to the major dimension of lower second
collar 122. An axial bore 125 extends through the entirety of the
grommet 10 between upper first collar 20 and a lower second collar
22.
[0030] In use, the lower collar 122 may be inserted through a
complementary thru-hole 130 (FIG. 9) in an attached structure 112.
During this insertion, vertical pressure is applied to the grommet,
thereby compressing the molded-in stops 114. With the pressure
still applied, the grommet 110 may then be rotated approximately
1/4 turn until the molded-in stops 114 fall into the thru-hole 130
and become uncompressed. In this position, the molded-in stops 114
act as a rotational blocking mechanism for the grommet 110. Thus, a
1/4 turn rotation of the grommet 110 following initial insertion
will cause the lower collar 122 to block against vertical
withdrawal because it is no longer aligned, while the molded in
stops 114 simultaneously block against reverse rotation. Of course,
any number of other configurations may be used as desired.
[0031] In accordance with one exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure, any of the grommets 10, 110 or the like may carry
different variations of a compression limiter within the axial bore
25, 125 such that the radial compression of the grommet at the neck
can be limited to the desired amount on each side of a plastic
structure 12, 112 such as an engine cover or the like. In one
exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, The grommet 10 may
capture and carry a drawn metal stamping 40 acting as a compression
limiter with an accompanying bolt 50 captured in the stamping for
shipment prior to use. This option will be used in design
arrangements that utilize tapped threaded holes within the
underlying engine block or other substructure for the attachment
points. Of course, compression limiters of non-metallic materials
of sufficient strength such as composites, high impact plastics and
the like may also be used if desired.
[0032] In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, The
grommet 10 may capture and carry a drawn metal stamping 140 acting
as a compression limiter with an accompanying bolt 50 captured in
the stamping. As shown, this option may include a radially
outwardly projecting flared foot 144 at the bottom of the metal
stamping 140 for engagement at an interior shoulder within the
grommet. This design may be used to facilitate barrel clearance. As
with the earlier described construction, compression limiters of
non-metallic materials of sufficient strength such as composites,
high impact plastics and the like may also be used if desired.
[0033] As noted previously, grommet assemblies consistent with the
present disclosure also may be constructed to engage male members
such as threaded studs and the like protruding upwardly away from
an engine block or other substructure. By way of example only, and
not limitation, in FIG. 7, the grommet 10 will capture and carry a
drawn metal stamping (compression limiter) with an accompanying
annular nut retainer 55 and metal flange nut 60 attached to the top
surface of the drawn metal stamping. By way of example only, and
not limitation, this option may be used in design arrangements that
utilize threaded studs for attachment points that would require a
nut for fastening. Of course, non-metallic materials of sufficient
strength such as composites, high impact plastics and the like may
also be used if desired.
[0034] Grommet assemblies consistent with the present disclosure
represent a significant improvement over previous designs wherein
an "H style" grommet had to be pushed through a hole in the
component and then a metal stamping or bushing was forcibly
inserted into the grommet which has been proven to be difficult and
cumbersome, requiring high insertion forces and component strength.
Constructions consistent with the present disclosure provide
significantly lower insertion forces. Thus, such constructions may
be used in applications that cannot withstand high insertion
forces. Moreover, designs consistent with the present disclosure
provide the option of capturing a fastener and compression limiting
insert and may provide positional shift by varying the diameter and
tab/rib sizes.
[0035] Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are
within the scope of the present disclosure. The use of the terms
"a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of
describing the invention (especially in the context of the
following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular
and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly
contradicted by context.
[0036] The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and
"containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning
"including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve
as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate
value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein,
and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as
if it were individually recited herein.
[0037] All methods described herein can be performed in any
suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the disclosure.
[0038] Preferred embodiments are described herein, including the
best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure.
Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing
description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such
variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the
disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and
equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended
hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of
the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is
encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or
otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *